A national headline designating Tyler as the best city in Texas has created quite the buzz throughout the Rose City.
On a list of 52 cities, USA TODAY ranked Tyler as the No. 1 best Texas city for people considering a move to the Lone Star State. Tyler outlets reported the news this week following the national newspaper’s article, which was published online Feb. 19. As word spread, comments sparked conversation across social media and in the community. A Tyler Realtor and tourism expert spoke to the Tyler Morning Telegraph to weigh in on the ranking.
“We are so excited to see Tyler listed,” said Sheridan Smith, vice president of marketing and communications at Visit Tyler, a local organization dedicated to promoting tourism within the city. “Tyler is a special place to live but also work. We believe this is only the beginning of what is to come.”
As of July 2022, the United States Census Bureau reported a population estimate of 109,276. On a daily basis, even more people are in Tyler as many professionals live beyond the city limits yet work in Tyler. Smith called Tyler a “big small town.”
“It’s this perfect balance of small-town coziness with all the perks of a big city,” Smith said. “There’s something so comforting about knowing your neighbors and feeling a sense of community wherever you go. Yet, despite the close-knit vibe, Tyler has this incredible way of offering everything I could possibly need right at my fingertips.”
Flamingos stand in water at the Caldwell Zoo on Monday, May 18, 2020.
Among those amenities, Smith pointed to the Caldwell Zoo, Tyler State Park, trails and lakes, three higher education institutions, as well as Tyler’s role as a medical hub for East Texas.
“Tyler seems to strike a balance between providing modern amenities and preserving the natural beauty and community spirit that make it a special place to live,” Smith said.
Shannon Franzen, Realtor at Coldwell Banker Apex and chairperson of the Greater Tyler Association of Realtors, has lived and worked in Tyler since 2006. During that time, she has seen tremendous growth.
“Downtown has revitalized, and at the same time retail has expanded south,” Franzen said, noting the west side of Tyler is expanding quickly as well. “... The new medical school at UT Tyler is bringing more opportunities and will continue to add more in the years to come.”
Some of the positive additions across the city include new businesses, housing developments, and infrastructure projects such as Toll 49 and Earl Campbell Parkway which Franzen said have “helped traffic flow as well as opening more areas for development.”
A local Realtor said infrastructure improvements have helped traffic concerns, and while it's "not perfect," the traffic in Tyler is much better than that of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
“Traffic is not perfect, but even at busy times I can get across town in half an hour or less,” Franzen said. In comparison to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, getting through traffic and overall daily commute times are much better in Tyler, she added.
USA TODAY referenced Tyler’s low unemployment rate of 3.3%, access to healthcare — nine providers for every 1,000 residents — and the lowest risk of damage from severe weather as reasons to hoist Tyler to the top of its list.
The article points out the Rose City’s location in East Texas, just an hour from the Louisiana border. It also notes Tyler’s national designation as the Rose Capital of America, “with several million roses distributed by local companies,” according to the article. Tyler’s Municipal Rose Garden is the largest in the nation at 14 acres with over 38,000 rose bushes and over 600 varieties, according to the City of Tyler.
While the rose garden is a key attraction for the city, USA Today notes there is “plenty” to do in the city.
“Once you’re done smelling the roses, there are plenty of other things to see and do: Tyler boasts 3.3 restaurants and 1.2 activities per 1,000 residents,” the article states.
When tourists stop by Visit Tyler’s downtown visitor’s center, Smith said staff point them to all sorts of things the city has to offer.
“It depends on a wide range of factors and interests, as well as if they have children, price range, etc.,” Smith said. “I typically suggest areas: Downtown, Mosaic District, Cumberland, La Piazza, (and more), then send them to VisitTyler.com for a more thorough description of each.”
Smith hails Tyler as “an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise,” offering a range of natural attractions and recreational activities.
Tyler Municipal Rose Garden is one of the city's main attractions cited by USA TODAY.
“From the captivating wildlife at Caldwell Zoo to the serene beauty of Tyler State Park’s hiking trails and fishing at our lakes, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with nature,” she said. “Our city boasts numerous parks and trails, perfect for leisurely walks or cycling adventures. Sports lovers can enjoy tennis, golf, pickleball, and disc golf against scenic backdrops. In Tyler, nature and outdoor fun go hand in hand, making it a haven for those who love the great outdoors.”
Franzen said she mentions some of those same factors when showing homes to her clients. Additionally, she cites great public schools. There are also a number of private schools in the city.
USA Today reports Tyler’s life expectancy averages 77.4 years old, and the average median income is $60,811. Rent costs $1,481 on average, and the typical home value is $245,750.
Franzen said home prices are stable, noting inventory in the Tyler area is healthy, with about a 4.5-month supply.
Flowers bloom along Sherry Lane on the Azalea and Spring Flower Trail in Tyler on March 14, 2023. USA Today reports Tyler rent costs $1,481 on average, and the typical home value is $245,750.
“Buyers are in a good position with selection, as well as some negotiating,” she said.
While Tyler proper is what made the esteemed list, Franzen said there are a variety of properties just a few minutes away from the city to allow new residents to “enjoy country living.”
Opportunities for civic involvement abound in the city, Smith notes.
“I’ve made it a point to volunteer and deeply engage with my city, and that has truly deepened my love for Tyler,” she said. “In this town, I’ve not only found a place to live but a place to thrive. It’s where I’ve built my life, created enduring memories, and forged lifelong friendships. For that, I am endlessly grateful.”
USA TODAY reports Texas gained more than 120,000 new adult residents in 2022, making it the state with the second-highest net gain in 2022.
“The allure of Texas is often its climate — mild winters are certainly a plus. Texas is second only to Florida as the top state people are moving to, according to U.S. Census Bureau data,” the article states. “More than 120,000 adults moved to Texas in 2022. Even more surprising: the Texas population bump — over 9 million new residents since 2000 — is nearly 3 million more than Florida.”
The article points out Texas has the “largest rural population of any state but it also has the second highest urban population, with over 24 million people in such areas.”
Franzen said the designation is a great opportunity for local real estate agents as well as the city.
“Some buyers are considering several areas in Texas for a move,” Franzen said. “I think this could give Tyler an edge.”
Tourists sometimes even want to settle down in the Rose City, Smith said.
“We always say it starts with a visit. Once they visit and experience a taste of Tyler, they are typically always hooked,” she said.
USA TODAY used U.S. Census American Community Survey, Zillow, the University of Wisconsin Health Institute and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to source its data.
Ranked No. 2 on the list is Laredo, followed by No. 3 New Braunfels, No. 4 Cedar Park and No. 5 Temple. East Texas city Longview landed a spot in top 10, coming in at No. 7. Houston (No. 50) and Fort Worth (No. 49) rank lower due to crime rates, higher risk of hurricanes and more expensive living costs, according to USA TODAY.